If you’ve been scrolling through your feed and spotting quirky barongs or ternos embroidered with childhood doodles, chances are you’ve come across Daryl Maat’s iconic "pad paper" designs. Known for his fresh take on Filipino fashion, the local designer’s pieces stay true to tradition but he makes them his own with a sprinkling of playful nostalgia, reminding us of those lined notebooks we all grew up with. His pad paper-inspired embroidery is a genius touch that’s made waves in the local fashion scene.
The Making of Daryl Maat's Pad Paper-Inspired Pieces
"The concept was deeply inspired by my joyful childhood memories. I vividly recall the moments spent doodling on my grade 1 pad paper. There's an undeniable charm in the uninhibited creativity of children's drawings—the squiggly lines, disproportionate silhouettes, and whimsical color combinations that somehow still manage to capture the essence of a child's imagination,” Daryl shared in a previous interview with Preview. "My design ethos has always revolved around graphics, techniques, textures, and colors. Even in my barongs, you can observe traces of this aesthetic, as I strive to infuse each piece with a playful yet refined touch."
By marrying these childhood-inspired elements with his modern design sensibilities, Daryl has created a unique aesthetic that’s equal parts nostalgic and stylish. Case in point: Even celebrities can't seem to get enough of his pieces!
Celebrities Who Love Daryl Maat’s Pad Paper Pieces
Daryl Maat’s designs have quickly become a favorite among stylish celebs, showing up everywhere from red carpets to casual OOTDs. Here are some of the most memorable moments:
1. Eugene Domingo
Eugene Domingo turned heads at the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal in a pad paper baro embroidered with colorful doodles. Styled with a traditional Filipiniana skirt, the outfit was the perfect mix of classic and fun, showing off Eugene’s vibrant personality.
2. Marian Rivera
For Kultura’s campaign celebrating Filipino heritage, Marian Rivera rocked a terno and saya decked out with pad paper embroidery. Think embroidered flowers and tiny houses—a fresh and youthful twist on a regal silhouette. Add pearl accessories and soft waves, and Marian looked like modern Filipiniana royalty.
3. Francine Diaz
Francine Diaz kept it cool and casual in a pad paper baro with field day-inspired embroidery. She paired it with white jeans, which made for a playful yet polished look. Talk about daytime chic!
4. Michael Sager
Michael Sager made traditional menswear feel fresh with his pad paper barong featuring a sweet puso (heart) embroidery. Styled with sleek black trousers, this look was all about understated cool for formal occasions.
5. Martin Javier
Martin Javier’s pad paper barong, embroidered with asul na tala (blue stars), was a standout at a sports event. Paired with clean black trousers, the look was sharp, stylish, and perfect for a modern Filipiniana vibe.
6. Anthony Jennings
Anthony Jennings went for a playful twist with a pad paper barong and red-and-white checkered shorts. Seen in a creative editorial shoot for Preview In Focus, this combo was proof that traditional pieces can totally thrive in experimental styling.
7. James Reid
James Reid brought his signature charm to a Timid Magazine feature, wearing the asul na tala barong. The embroidery’s clean lines and subtle pops of blue matched perfectly with high-waisted trousers, giving off a modern, effortlessly cool vibe.
8. Ria Bolivar
Ria Bolivar brought drama to Daryl’s designs in a barong embroidered with red, blue, and yellow stars. Paired with black trousers and a vivid pair of purple sneakers with a matching woven bag to boot, her look was a standout nod to the Filipino flag while staying playful and chic.
9. Tony Labrusca
Every bit a leading man, Tony Labrusca wore his pad paper barong with a no-frills pair of gray trousers and black leather loafers. Sometimes, simple is already swoon-worthy!
10. Liam Labrooy
When a wedding calls for Filipiniana attire, gents always gravitate towards an iteration of the barong. For Liam Labrooy, this meant enlisting a star-studded Daryl Maat original for a unique touch.
11. Kyla Alvarez
OPM star Kyla Alvarez took the stage in a pad paper baro in all of its puff-sleeved glory. Teamed with the top were gold earrings, high-waisted denim, and some zanily-hued heels for good measure.
12. Winwyn Marquez
Beaming with Pinoy Pride, beauty queen Winwyn Marquez donned a contemporary take on the baro with plaid trousers and her Miss Muntinlupa sash. A modern Filipina muse if we've ever seen one!
13. Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza
Twinning in Daryl Maat tops and denim jeans, noontime show hosts Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza both wore playful takes on the heritage attire. While Vic went for a starry night motif, Maine rocked a sailboat-on-sea design.
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